Method and system for replaying a voice message and displaying a signed digital photograph contemporaneously

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for generating authentic digital memorabilia are described. A signor may be provided a digital photograph. The signor&#39;s signature, written message, or voice message may be received. Biometric authentication or verification may be performed on the signor&#39;s handwriting or voice sample through comparison with stored samples. If the verification signifies a high likelihood signor&#39;s handwriting or voice sample is authentic, creation of digital memorabilia is performed by embedding signor&#39;s signature or written message in a digital photograph and linking the signor&#39;s voice message with the photograph. The digital memorabilia is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and distributed to a customer or displayed on a website.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 61/564,552, filed Nov. 29, 2011 and titled, “Method toProvide Digital Memorabilia Utilizing Biometric Verification,” which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to digital memorabilia, and moreparticularly, to digital memorabilia that feature both a voice messageand a signed digital photograph to a receiver of the digitalmemorabilia.

2. Background Art

Celebrities attempt to monetize their “fame” (e.g., their talent,access, status, attention, etc.) in a variety of ways. These ways caninclude the creation of content, such as signed memorabilia, etc.Markets for celebrity memorabilia, e.g., signed sports equipment,autographed cards, jerseys, pictures, etc., have developed over theyears. However, despite the availability of companies that evaluate andcertify memorabilia, an ever-present danger of fraud still exists. Suchmemorabilia fraud can discourage fans from purchasing celebritymemorabilia.

In light of the above, there exists a need for an effective andlow-maintenance system and method to ensure authenticity of celebritymemorabilia.

SUMMARY

The present technology provides a method for generating digitalmemorabilia, which may advantageously feature both replaying of a voicemessage and displaying of a signed digital photograph to the receiver ofdigital memorabilia. The replaying of a voice message and displaying ofa signed digital photograph may occur contemporaneously. This techniqueprovides a more personalized digital autograph experience to thereceiver of digital memorabilia. This technique also provides for theauthentication of the signor (e.g., the celebrity) of digitalmemorabilia.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumhaving embodied thereon a program, the program being executable by acomputer to perform a method for generating digital memorabilia isprovided. The method may include providing the signor of the digitalmemorabilia with a digital photograph, receiving a voice message and atleast one of an electronic signature and an electronic written messagefrom the signor of the digital memorabilia, the voice message and the atleast one of an electronic signature and an electronic written messageassociated with the digital photograph, embedding the at least one of anelectronic signature and an electronic written message into the digitalphotograph, and delivering the digital photograph with the voice messageand the embedded at least one of an electronic signature and anelectronic written message to the receiver of the digital memorabilia.

In another embodiment, a method for enrolling the signor of digitalmemorabilia is provided. The method may include receiving informationfrom the signor, the information associated with creating an account forthe service for generating digital memorabilia, creating an account forthe signor, receiving identification data from the signor in order toconfirm the identity of the signor, initiating the biometricverification workflow, verifying the identity of the signor through atleast one of an in-person meeting and a remote meeting, receiving atleast one voice sample and at least one handwriting sample from thesignor, and utilizing the at least one voice sample and the at least onehandwriting sample to authenticate the identity of the signor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present technology are illustrated by theaccompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are notnecessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understandingof the technology or that render other details difficult to perceive maybe omitted. It will be understood that the technology is not necessarilylimited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary environment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary enrollment method inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for purchasingdigital memorabilia.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process for receivingorders for digital memorabilia.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of generatingdigital memorabilia.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI)displaying a digital memorabilia request.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary GUI displaying a digital memorabiliarequest and personal message.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary GUI for autographing.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary GUI for voice authentication.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary GUI displaying a failed authentication.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of aserver comprising modules.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of generatingdigital memorabilia.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary GUI of an earnings report.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary GUI of an earnings chart.

FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail several specific embodiments with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theprinciples of the technology and is not intended to limit the technologyto the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components,referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with likereference characters. It will be further understood that several of thefigures are merely schematic representations of the present technology.As such, some of the components may have been distorted from theiractual scale for pictorial clarity.

Despite the demand for celebrity memorabilia, the creation of “content”,i.e., the media and athletic entertainment for which a celebrity isknown, is a time consuming process. Content creation typically involvesappearances and signings, endorsements, or personally branded products.These channels may involve high risk, heavy manual intensity, highupfront costs and commitments or a combination thereof. Using a digitalchannel may present advantages over the traditional channels such asinstantaneous fan connection, new scenarios for fans and celebrities tointeract, and scalability. Moreover, the digital channel may allow forfans to purchase fame on demand through an online marketplace, throughdigital memorabilia.

Generally speaking, the present technology may be directed to a methodand system for generating digital memorabilia, which may advantageouslyfeature both replaying of a voice message and displaying of a signeddigital photograph to the receiver of digital memorabilia. According tosome embodiments the present technology may employ a server to assist ingenerating, processing and tracking requests for digital memorabilia andstoring the digital memorabilia for access by the receiver. Mobiledevices may be used by a celebrity to generate the digital memorabiliaand assist in accurately authenticating the celebrity remotely. Theseand other embodiments of the present technology will be described ingreater detail below.

As defined herein, a digital memorabilia signor may be any person whogenerates digital memorabilia. A digital memorabilia signor may bereferred to herein as a signor, celebrity, or athlete.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary environment 100 for a digitalmemorabilia system. The environment 100 may include a mobile device 105,a network 110, a server 115, an optional third party authentication orverification server 120, and a customer device 125. The mobile device105 may be a tablet (e.g., an iPad or other similar device with atouchscreen), for use by a celebrity or signor to autograph digitalmemorabilia. The mobile device 105 may also be used to capture biometricdata for authorization. The mobile device 105 may connect to a network110, either wired or wirelessly through use of a router, modem, cellulartechnologies, or other similar technology. The network 110 can includeany type of data communication network, including an intranet, theInternet, a LAN, WAN, public network, private network, and anycombination of these.

A server 115 may communicate with the mobile device 105 through thenetwork 110. The server 115 may receive and store the digitalmemorabilia from the mobile device 105 and display it on a website. Theserver 115 may also receive and store biometric data captured orrecorded by the mobile device 105. Optionally, the server may send thebiometric data received to a third party authentication or verificationserver 120 for analysis or authentication. Alternatively, authenticationor verification may be performed by server 115. The server 115 mayperform additional functions which are described in detail below.

A customer device 125 (e.g., a tablet, phablet, computer, smartphone,etc.) may communicate with the server 115 through the network 110. Thecustomer device 125 may view the digital memorabilia at a website hostedby the server 115. The customer device 125 may also place orders orrequests for digital memorabilia.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of digital memorabilia 200.The digital memorabilia 200 may include a digital item (e.g., a digitalphoto of the celebrity, a customer-provided photo, etc.). Optionally, adigital watermark 205 may be embedded into the digital item. The digitalwatermark 205 may indicate the origin of the digital item, theauthenticity of the item, etc. An optional Universal Resource Locator(URL) 210 may be included with the digital watermark 205. The URL 210may be a shortcode URL 210 to facilitate authentication of the digitalmemorabilia. The shortcode URL 210 may also facilitate sharing of thedigital memorabilia (e.g., through email, social networks (Twitter,Facebook, etc.), text messages, websites, etc.) Alternatively, theshortcode URL 210 may be separate from the digital watermark.

The digital memorabilia 200 may also include or be associated with acertificate of authenticity 215. The certificate of authenticity 215 maybe displayed with the digital memorabilia 200 when viewed at the URL 210or available as a download. The certificate of authenticity 215 mayserve as a verified chain of custody for the digital memorabilia. Thecertificate of authenticity 215 may include information such astimestamps (e.g., the date and time at which the digital memorabilia waspurchased, the date and time at which the digital memorabilia was signedby the celebrity, the date and time the digital memorabilia was verifiedor approved, or the date and time at which the digital memorabilia wasreceived), the unique document identification of the digitalmemorabilia, the owner (e.g., the purchaser or customer) information(e.g., email, name, etc.), ownership history of the digital memorabilia,the internet protocol (IP) address or device identification (ID) of thesignor's device, information of the biometric authentication of thesignor, a real time redrawing of the signature or message, or a thirdparty stamp of approval.

Optionally, the digital memorabilia 200 may be available for download220 through the shortcode URL 210 without the digital watermark 205.

In one embodiment, the digital memorabilia 200 may include an optionalpersonalized message 225 from the signor (e.g., the celebrity). Thepersonalized message 225 may be a requested message by the customer.

The digital memorabilia 200 may include the autograph or signature 230of the celebrity. A stylus or other input device may be used to enterthe signature 230. The signature 230 may be digitally sampled orinterpolated and sharpened or neatened. An example of digital samplingmay be to record the X, Y coordinates and the time at which thecoordinates were captured. The digital sampling and sharpening may occuron the mobile device for the signor to view. Optionally, a server mayperform the neatening each time the digital memorabilia 200 isdisplayed. The data underlying the signature may be stored separatelyfrom the photo, allowing for vector scaling of the signature 230 toenable physical enlargements. The separate storage may allow for vectorscaling independent from the digital image. Optionally the signature 230may be scaled at a fixed aspect ratio in relation to the digital image.

The digital memorabilia 200 may optionally include an audio messagerecorded by the celebrity to the owner. The audio message may beaccessed through the URL 210.

After the celebrity has completed personalizing the digital memorabilia,the digital memorabilia may be automatically sent 235 to the owner fromthe email of the celebrity (e.g., celebrity @egraphs.com).

In one embodiment, the digital memorabilia may be comprised of fourparts or layers: (1) a digital photo layer, (2) a digital signature andmessage capture layer, (3) a unique voiceprint, and (4) a certificate ofauthenticity. Each layer may be separately stored to allow foradjustments in recreating the digital memorabilia. The digitalmemorabilia may be stored in a server and accessible through a URL.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 300 for enrolling signors orcelebrities in a system for digital memorabilia. The celebrity maysubmit their username or identification to the digital memorabiliasystem in step 305. The username or identification may be associatedwith a signor's mobile or electronic device. In an optional step 310 thecelebrity may receive at a verified email address an email link todownload a mobile device application. Alternatively, the celebrity mayobtain the mobile device application through an online application store(e.g., Apple's App Store, Google Play, Amazon App Store, etc.). Once theapplication is received, the celebrity may create an account through themobile device application at step 315. In step 320, the celebrityprovides the necessary legal identification (e.g., Social Securitynumber) to confirm their identity or ensure the signor may be legallypaid. In optional step 325, the celebrity may provide their bankinginformation to support direct deposit of earnings. Such earnings areassociated with the signor generating digital memorabilia. The celebritymay then initiate the biometric verification process at step 330, asdescribed in detail below. In optional step 335, a camera on the mobiledevice may be activated by the application to provide live video feed toa server, allowing the celebrity's identity to be visually verified andmonitored during the remaining enrollment process at optional step 340.Optionally, the signor's identity may be verified through an in-personmeeting.

In step 345, the celebrity records the necessary amount of voice samplesto enroll in a voice authentication system. The voice samples may becaptured by the mobile device's onboard microphone. The necessary amountof voice samples may be at least one voice sample to any number requiredto serve as a sufficient baseline of biometric data for authenticatingthe celebrity or signor's voice. For example, 5 to 10 voice samples maybe recorded. The voice authentication system may use standard voiceprintanalysis to identify the speaker. Such a system may take the fullfidelity audio file recorded and break down the recording to analyzeamplitude and frequency of certain vocal characteristics. The analysisallows for statistical comparison between the previously acceptedsamples, or baseline and new samples recorded by the celebrity.Optionally, newly accepted samples may also be analyzed to add to theaccuracy of future voice recordings. The voice authentication orverification system may be run by third parties or performed by thedigital memorabilia system.

In step 350, the celebrity provides the necessary amount of handwritingsamples to enroll in a handwriting authentication or verificationsystem. The necessary amount of handwriting samples may include at leastone sample to any number required by the handwriting authenticationsystem to serve as a sufficient baseline of biometric data forauthenticating the celebrity or signor's handwriting or signature. Forexample, 10 to 15 signatures may be recorded. The handwriting samplesmay be recorded using a stylus on the mobile device, allowing the mobiledevice to capture stylus touch events at a defined frequency. Such touchevents may include recording input positions in X, Y, coordinates andthe timestamp of each event. The input may be stored as an array of X,Y, time coordinates and sent from the device to a server. A statisticalcomparison of the velocity between points, relative position of points,and proprietary writing indicators, such as the width of certain loops,may be used to assess the authenticity of the signature. Verifiedsignatures may be used to add to the accuracy of future signatures. Thehandwriting authentication or verification system may be run by thirdparties or performed by the digital memorabilia system. Once the methodends, the celebrity or signor is authenticated for remote digitalmemorabilia signing and additional video verification is optional.

In the above method, the handwriting authentication may reach aconfidence level of 90%. Similarly, the voice authentication may alsoreach a confidence level of 90%. The combination of the confidencelevels may reach a confidence level of 99% that the signor is thecelebrity.

While the above embodiment may utilize two non-invasive forms ofverification to authenticate the identification of the celebrity orsignor, other forms of biometric authentication may be used. Suchbiometric authentication may comprise facial recognition (e.g., throughcamera or video), fingerprint recognition, handprint recognition, irisrecognition, retina recognition, or other similar forms of non-invasiveidentification. Similar methods of gathering the baseline data for eachform of identification may be used as described above.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 for purchasing digitalmemorabilia. A customer may visit a website offering digital memorabiliain step 405. At step 410, the customer may browse selection of celebrityor athlete listings. The customer may select a given celebrity to viewfurther information of available digital items (e.g., professionaldigital photographs of the celebrity, images, etc.) or be allowed toupload a digital item of the customer's choice at step 415. Once thecustomer selects or uploads a digital item, the customer may proceed tostep 420 to select the area where they would like the photo to be signedby the celebrity. Optionally at step 430, the customer may add apersonalized message for the celebrity to include on the digitalmemorabilia. Optionally, the customer may add a personalized message forthe celebrity to include in a voice recording in step 435. The customermay optionally include a note to the celebrity at step 440. The optionalnote will not be written on the digital memorabilia or stored in a voicerecording. The customer confirms the purchase and begins the checkoutprocess in step 445. At step 450, the customer enters the name and emailaddress of the intended owner or receiver of the digital memorabilia.The customer enters their payment information at step 455. In step 460,the customer submits order and receives a confirmation screen. At step465, the customer receives an email receipt of the order.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment illustrating a method 600 ofpurchasing of digital memorabilia. A server 105 hosts a websiteaccessible by the public offering digital memorabilia in step 505. Instep 510, the website may provide a selection of celebrity and athletelistings. At step 515, the website may display additional informationabout a given celebrity at the request of a customer or user (e.g.available digital items such as professional photographs, images, etc.,)or receive an uploaded digital item from the customer. In step 520, thewebsite receives a customer's chosen selection or upload. At step 525,the website may receive a customer's requested signature location on thedigital memorabilia. At optional step 530, the website may receive acustomer's request for a personalized message for the celebrity toinclude on the digital memorabilia. In optional step 535, the websitemay receive a customer's request for a personalized message for thecelebrity to record. At optional step 540, the website may receive acustomer's note to be provided to the celebrity. In step 545, thecustomer confirmation of the purchase is received and the checkoutprocess begins. At step 550, the name and email of the intended receiverof the digital memorabilia is received from the customer. In step 555,the customer's payment information is received (e.g., credit card, giftcard, debit card, etc.). At step 560, the customer's submission of thecompleted order is received and a confirmation screen is provided. Anemail receipt of the digital memorabilia order is provided to thecustomer in step 565.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the interaction betweencelebrities and fans or customers may be monitored, herein “monitoredinteraction.” Such monitoring may serve to protect the celebrities, thefans, or both from harm, damage to reputation, etc. The monitoring mayinclude screening the content of submitted digital memorabilia orders.The screening may identify unapproved content, such as profanity,racism, verbal abuse, unauthorized images, etc. Optionally a tieredscreening method or system may be used. One tier may identify contentthat will be strictly prohibited and rejected (e.g., verbal abuse,racism, bigotry, etc.) Another tier may allow the celebrity or signor topersonalize settings for their preference to allow certain interaction(e.g., profanity, offensive language or images, etc.). In anotherembodiment, pattern recognition or data mining may be used to adapt ormodify the monitored interaction to the celebrity's preference. Suchpattern recognition or data mining may include information received fromcelebrity's rejection of digital memorabilia order as described below.The monitored interaction may optionally be applied to screen thefinished digital memorabilia from the celebrity. The monitoredinteraction may be automated or partially automated (e.g., a monitoringprogram running on a server). Optionally, the monitored interaction mayflag content for further review by a human (e.g., content that may beconsidered borderline offensive).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for thesignor to produce digital memorabilia. At step 605, the signor receivesa notification that they have pending digital memorabilia to sign. Sucha notification may be performed via email, through the mobile deviceapplication, text messaging, or other similar methods. In step 610, thesignor opens the mobile device application and is taken to a homescreen. At step 615, the signor may access the first digital memorabiliafor signing from the home screen. An exemplary embodiment of a graphicaluser interface (GUI) 700 displaying the first digital memorabilia isshown in FIG. 7. The signor may view orders for digital memorabilia inqueue by signatures 705. The signor may choose to reject 710 or sign 715the digital memorabilia.

Step 620 takes the signor to a signature screen where they are presentedwith an optional note from the customer and a personalized message forthe signor to include with the autograph. An exemplary embodiment of aGUI 800 displaying the digital memorabilia 805 and personalized message810 is shown in FIG. 8. The GUI 800 may also display a note 815 to thesignor. Optionally, the signature screen may include a personalizedmessage for the signor to verbally record (not shown). Alternatively,the personalized message for verbal recording may appear on a separatescreen.

The signor then writes the personalized message and signs the screen atstep 625. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a GUI 900 for thesignor to input the message and autograph. In step 630, the signorsubmits the message or signature and may preview the digital memorabiliaor perform voice authentication. The signor authenticates his voice byrecording a voice sample at step 635. The voice sample may be a prompt(e.g., a string of numbers, phrase, etc.) or the signor's choice ofwords. Optionally, if a personalized verbal message is requested, theverbal message may be used to perform voice authentication. FIG. 10shows an exemplary embodiment of a voiceprint authentication GUI 1000.The signor may initiate the recording by using the record button 1005and recite the prompt 1010. After providing the voice sample the signormay be redirected, at step 640, to the next pending signature or thehome screen. The mobile device application sends the stored signaturedata and voice sample over the network 110 to the server 115 in step645.

In one embodiment, if a signature or voice authentication check does notpass the verification system, a failed authorization may be displayed tothe signor, as illustrated in the exemplary GUI in FIG. 11. Thehandwriting or voice authentication or verification may be performed inreal time. Optionally, the authentication may be performed after thestored signature data and voice sample are sent to the server.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a server 115 comprising modules forcarrying out an embodiment of the present invention. As used herein, theterm “module” may also refer to any of an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared,dedicated, or group) that executes one or more software or firmwareprograms, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitablecomponents that provide the described functionalities. The server 115may comprise a content module 1205, an embedding module 1210, a storagemodule 1215, and a delivery module 1220. The server 115 may also includean optional monitoring agent 1225. Additional physical componentscomprising a server are described in greater detail below in FIG. 16.The modules comprise instructions and may be stored in memory or on amass storage device and executable by a processor.

The content module 1205 may provide a digital memorabilia signor (e.g.,celebrity or athlete) with a digital item (e.g., a digital photograph).The content module 1205 may provide the digital item through a signor'smobile device application. The content module 1205 may also receive atleast one electronic signature or an electronic written message from thedigital memorabilia signor. The electronic signature or electronicwritten message may be associated with the sent digital photograph.Optionally, the content module 1205 may receive a voice message from thesignor associated with the digital photograph. Optionally, the contentmodule 1205 may send the electronic signature or electronic writtenmessage to a verification service. The verification service may generatea scoring number (e.g., a percentage) associated with a signor'sidentification verification. The scoring number may indicate thelikelihood that the electronic signature or electronic written messageis authentically produced by the signor. Alternatively, the contentmodule, or another module on the server may perform the verification andgenerate the scoring number. The content module 1205 may also generate acertificate of authenticity for the digital photograph with the voicemessage, electronic signature, or electronic written message. Thecertificate of authenticity may include information as described abovein FIG. 2.

The embedding module 1210 may embed an electronic signature orelectronic written message from the signor into the digital photograph.Optionally, the embedding module 1210 may appropriately scale or renderthe electronic signature or electronic written message. Such scaling maybe performed according to the vector scaling described above or by othersimilar methods.

The storage module 1215 may store the digital photograph with the voicemessage and the embedded electronic signature, electronic writtenmessage, or both.

The delivery module 1220 may deliver the digital photograph with thevoice message and embedded electronic signature, electronic writtenmessage, or both to a digital memorabilia receiver (e.g., customer orowner). Optionally the delivery module 1220 may be configured to deliverdigital memorabilia based in part on the scoring number. For example, ifthe scoring number indicates a low likelihood the electronic signature,electronic written message, or voice message is authentic, the deliverymodule 1220 may not deliver the digital memorabilia to the receiver.Scoring numbers that are above a threshold (e.g. 90%) indicatingauthenticity may allow the digital memorabilia to be delivered. Thedelivery module 1220 may also deliver the digital memorabilia comprisingthe digital photograph with the voice message and embedded electronicsignature, electronic written message, or both depending on the approvalof a monitoring agent. For example, if the electronic written message orvoice message comprises prohibited content, the delivery module 1220 mayprevent delivery of the digital memorabilia.

The optional monitoring agent 1225 may perform the monitoringinteraction functions between signors (e.g., celebrities) and receivers(e.g., customers, fans, owners, etc.) as described above. The monitoringagent 1225 may also utilize pattern recognition or data mining to adaptor modify the monitored interaction to the signor's preference.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary method 1300 of generating digitalmemorabilia. At step 1305, a server 105 may provide the digital item(e.g., a digital photo) to the signor. The digital item may bedistributed through the content module 1205 as described in FIG. 12.

In step 1310, the server 105 may receive data for an electronicsignature, a written message, or a voice message from the signor. Atstep 1315, the server 105 may verify the voice data against previouslystored voice samples for the signor. The verification may return ascoring number that indicates the likelihood that the new voice sampleis from the same person as the stored samples. As indicated above, thescoring number may be a percentage. Optionally, other similar scales maybe used. The verification may optionally be performed by sending thevoice data to a verification service.

In step 1320, the server 105 may verify the electronic signature orelectronic written message against previously stored handwriting samplesfor the signor. Similar to the voice verification, a scoring number maybe returned that indicates the likelihood that the new handwritingsample is from the same person as the stored samples.

At step 1325, the server 105 may determine whether to accept or rejectthe submission based on the combination of the scoring numbers from thevoice and handwriting verification. If the scoring number combination ishigh enough to indicate the likelihood the signor personally generatedthe digital memorabilia, the submission is accepted as a valid orauthentic digital memorabilia and the process proceeds to step 1330. Ifthe scoring number combination indicates a low likelihood the signorpersonally generated the digital memorabilia, the submission is notaccepted and may be returned to the signor to be re-performed, as shownin returning to step 1305.

In step 1330, the server 105 may render or embed the electronicsignature or electronic written message from the signor into the digitalphotograph and generate a certificate of authenticity. The embedding maybe performed by the embedding module 1210 and the certificate generationmay be performed by the content module 1205 as described above in FIG.12.

At step 1335, the server 105 may display the certificate of authenticityon a webpage as described above in FIG. 2, along with the renderedphotograph (e.g., the digital photograph and embedded signature ormessage). In step 1340, the server 105 may email the customer with alink to both the rendered photograph and certificate of authenticity.

Once the customer is provided the verified digital memorabilia, they maytake various actions through the website hosting the digitalmemorabilia. The customer may download multiple sizes of the digitalmemorabilia. Each size of the digital memorabilia may be re-rendered bythe server to optimize the scale of the signature on the photograph asdescribed above in FIG. 2. The customer may also view the certificate ofauthenticity, play the voice sample, or play back an animation of thesignature redrawing. The customer may also create a shortcode URL asdescribed in FIG. 2, to facilitate distribution and owner verificationfor friends. The computer may order physical prints of their digitalmemorabilia. The customer may one-click post the digital memorabilia tosocial networks (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary GUI 1400 for displaying a signor'searnings report. The mobile device application may provide the signorwith statistics in the form of an earnings report 1405. Optionally, theapplication may display the daily earnings and number of orderscompleted by the signor for the current day 1410. The earnings report1405 may comprise the signor's total earnings amount 1415, the totalnumber of orders completed 1420, the average time per order 1425, anaverage cost per order 1430, and a signor's earnings efficiency 1435.Optionally, the application may serve as a platform to allow the signorto interact with customers or fans by posting messages 1440.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary GUI 1500 providing a visual indication1505 of a signor's earnings (e.g., using a chart, graph, etc.). Thesignor's or celebrity's earnings or share of revenue may be distributedmonthly via direct deposit, mailed check, or other similar form ofpayment. Revenue distribution may also utilize a period of times (e.g.bi-monthly, quarterly, etc.) or milestones (e.g., predetermined revenueamounts, number of orders completed, etc.). Optionally, the service mayemploy measures to protect against fraud and returns. For example,holding accrued earnings for a period of time (e.g., 30 days).

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary computing system 1600 that may be usedto implement, for example, mobile device 105, server 115, or customerdevice 125. Computing system 1600 of FIG. 16 may be implemented in thecontexts of the likes of computing systems, networks, servers, orcombinations thereof. Computing system 1600 includes one or moreprocessors 1610 and memory 1620. Memory 1620 stores, in part,instructions and data for execution by processor 1610. Memory 1620 maystore the executable code when in operation. Computing system 1600further includes a mass storage device 1630, portable storage device(s)1640, output devices 1650, user input devices 1660, a graphics display1670, and peripherals 1680.

The components shown in FIG. 16 are depicted as being connected via asingle bus 1690. The components may be connected through one or moredata transport means. Processor 1610 and memory 1620 may be connectedvia a local microprocessor bus, and mass storage device 1630, peripheraldevice(s) 1680, portable storage device 1640, and graphics display 1670may be connected via one or more input/output (I/O) buses.

Mass storage device 1630, which may be implemented with a magnetic diskdrive or an optical disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device forstoring data and instructions for use by processor 1610. Mass storagedevice 1630 may store the system software for implementing embodimentsof the present invention for purposes of loading that software intomemory 1620.

Portable storage device 1640 operates in conjunction with a portablenon-volatile storage medium, such as a floppy disk, compact disk,digital video disc, USB storage device, and secure digital (SD) memorycard (e.g., SD, miniSD, and microSD), to input and output data and codeto and from the computer system 1600. The system software forimplementing embodiments of the present invention may be stored on sucha portable medium and input to the computer system 1600 via the portablestorage device 1640.

Input devices 1660 provide a portion of a user interface. Input devices1660 may include an alphanumeric keypad, such as a keyboard, forinputting alpha-numeric and other information, or a pointing device,such as a mouse, a trackball, stylus, or cursor direction keys. Inputdevices 1660 may also include a touchscreen. Additionally, computingsystem 1600 includes output devices 1650. Suitable output devicesinclude speakers, printers, network interfaces, and monitors.

Graphics display 1670 may include a (touch) liquid crystal display (LCD)or other suitable display device. Graphics display 1670 receives textualand graphical information, and processes the information for output tothe display device.

Peripherals 1680 may include any type of computer support device to addadditional functionality to the computer system. Peripherals 1680 mayinclude a GPS navigation device, (GSM) modem, satellite radio, router,and the like.

The components provided in computer system 1600 are those typicallyfound in computer systems that may be suitable for use with embodimentsof the present invention and are intended to represent a broad categoryof such computer components that are well known in the art. Thus,computer system 1600 may be a personal computer, hand-held computingsystem, phablet, tablet, telephone, smartphone, mobile computing system,workstation, server, minicomputer, mainframe computer, or any othercomputing system. The computer may also include different busconfigurations, networked platforms, multi-processor platforms, etc.Various operating systems may be used including Unix, Linux, Windows,Mac OS, Palm OS, Android, iOS (known as iPhone OS before June 2010),QNX, and other suitable operating systems.

It is noteworthy that any hardware platform suitable for performing theprocessing described herein is suitable for use with the embodimentsprovided herein. Computer-readable storage media refer to any medium ormedia that participate in providing instructions to a central processingunit (CPU), a processor, a microcontroller, or the like. Such media maytake forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatilemedia such as optical or magnetic disks and dynamic memory,respectively. Common forms of computer-readable storage media include afloppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any othermagnetic storage medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD),Blu-ray Disc (BD), any other optical storage medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM,EEPROM, FLASH memory, and/or any other memory chip, module, orcartridge.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of thetechnology to the particular forms set forth herein. Thus, the breadthand scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that theabove description is illustrative and not restrictive. It will berecognized that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” asused herein, are specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms ofart. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to coversuch alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appendedclaims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.The scope of the technology should, therefore, be determined not withreference to the above description, but instead should be determinedwith reference to the appended claims along with their full scope ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating digital memorabilia, the method comprising: providing a digital memorabilia signor with a digital item; receiving an electronic signature, an electronic written message, or a combination thereof from the digital memorabilia signor, embedding the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination thereof from the digital memorabilia signor into the digital item thereby generating the digital memorabilia; verifying authenticity of the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination thereof of the generated digital memorabilia by generating a scoring number associated with signor identification verification; after successfully verifying authenticity, storing the generated digital memorabilia; and/or delivering the generated digital memorabilia to a digital memorabilia receiver in real time.
 2. The method for generating digital memorabilia of claim 1, wherein the electronic signature or the electronic written message must achieve at least a 90% confidence level based on an X,Y array coordinates including a statistical comparison of velocity between coordinates and relative position of points between coordinates.
 3. The method for generating digital memorabilia of claim 1, further comprising providing vector scaling to prevent distortion of the digital memorabilia while magnifying or shrinking the digital memorabilia.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic signature and electronic written message are embedded in the digital item thereby generating the digital memorabilia.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the electronic signature or the electronic written message must achieve at least a 90% confidence level based on an X,Y array coordinates including a statistical comparison of velocity between coordinates and relative position of points between coordinates.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising providing vector scaling to prevent distortion of the digital memorabilia while magnifying or shrinking the digital memorabilia.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination thereof by a monitoring agent while the signor is providing the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the monitoring agent further comprises determining whether the generated digital memorabilia with the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination thereof is delivered to the digital memorabilia receiver based at least in part on the monitoring agent.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a certificate of authenticity for the generated digital memorabilia.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising delivering the certificate of authenticity to the digital memorabilia receiver.
 11. A system for generating digital memorabilia, the system comprising: a memory for storing executable instructions; a processor for executing the executable instructions, the executable instructions comprising: a content module that: provides a digital memorabilia signor with a digital item; receives an electronic signature, an electronic written message, or a combination thereof from the digital memorabilia signor, and an embedding module that embeds the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination thereof from the digital memorabilia signor into the digital item thereby generating digital memorabilia; optionally a storage module that stores the digital memorabilia; and a delivery module that delivers the digital memorabilia to a digital memorabilia receiver, wherein: the content module sends the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination thereof to a verification service that verifies authenticity of the electronic written message, the electronic signature, or the combination thereof by generating a scoring number associated with signor identification verification in which the electronic signature or the electronic written message must achieve at least a 90% confidence level based on an X,Y array coordinates including a statistical comparison of velocity between coordinates and relative position of points between coordinates.
 12. The system of claim 11, in which the delivery module delivers the digital memorabilia to the digital memorabilia receiver based at least in part on the scoring number.
 13. The system of claim 11, the processor further comprising executable instructions for a monitoring agent that monitors the electronic signature, the electronic written message, or the combination thereof.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the content module further comprises executable instructions to generate a certificate of authenticity for the digital memorabilia for delivery to a digital memorabilia receiver.
 15. The system of claim 14, the processor further comprising executable instructions for the delivery module to deliver the certificate of authenticity to a digital memorabilia receiver. 